Scream “MACHETE!” with me in this Machete Review

11Oct

Hello there ladies and gents of the internet, its time for another film review. Now every once in a while you watch a film that just makes you go, “what the fuck man?” But it makes you say it in a fun way and that’s what Machete is. I saw this film in the cinema back in 2010 and I remember really liking it, so now the sequel is out and also since I haven’t seen the film in a round 3 years I thought it would be about time to revisit this film and see what the deal is.

The plot of this film finds Machete a renegade former Mexican Federale, roaming the streets of Texas after a shakedown from drug lord Torrez. Reluctantly, Machete takes an offer from spin doctor Benz to assassinate McLaughlin a corrupt Senator. Double crossed and on the run Machete braves the odds with the help of Luz, a saucy taco slinger, Padre his “holy” brother, and April a socialite with a penchant for guns. All while being tracked by Sartana, an ICE agent with a special interest in the blade slinger.

I’m just going to say this right now, the story in this film is ridiculous… But that’s what makes it so fun! The film knows what it is and doesn’t take itself seriously at all, the question is whether or not you’ll be down for it or not. There is story to follow and it is basically a tale of revenge for Machete along with corruption within politics and freedom and justice for Mexican people. I personally love how unapologetic the film is when it comes to its style of being an exploitation film, its loud, over-the-top, random as hell and has some parts that don’t really make sense, however those are the key things that make this film special.

Also the cast are pretty good too, though some stick out more than others. Danny Trejo is badass as Machete Cortez. If you’ve seen Trejo in any other film or TV show then you know what you’re getting into, but in this film he’s such a badass. Machete has such a great screen presence, he’s so cool and just one guy you’d love to know personally. Then there’s Steven Seagal as Rogelio Torrez, he’s the main antagonist of the film and I love how cool, how badass and how generically villainous he is.

Michelle Rodriguez as Luz/Shé, my god she is hotness, Rodriguez is usually pretty sexy but in this film she’s especially hotness and she also has a cool part to play in this film, she’s undercover, smart and has a way with weapons. Jessica Alba as Sartana Rivera, while looking pretty fine I feel like her character is the weakest of the cast. Her character is a bit of a douche but then she has a random change of heart eventually through that really doesn’t make any sense, plus her acting sometimes isn’t very convincing. Jeff Fahey was very good as Michael Booth, I thought he played an interesting and shady character and I liked how he double-crossed people and while he worked for other people, he always looked out for number one. Cheech Marin as Padre Benicio Del Toro, was one of my favourite characters, Marin plays a very innocent and yet badass when need be and I liked his action moments too.

Don Johnson as Von Jackson makes for a pretty good villain who really hates Mexicans and tries to keep them from getting into the US via border control. It was also good to see Shea Whigham as Sniper, after seeing Boardwalk Empire I’ve started to notice him in so much more films these days and in this film his role is small but definitely memorable. Also Lindsay Lohan as April Booth is a bit random in the film but to her credit she’s alright and has some cool moments. And lastly seeing Daryl Sabara as Julio feels random as hell, but it’s also funny and kind of works too and it’s not surprising considering that Sabara worked with Robert Rodriguez on the Spy Kids films.

I also want to touch on the presentation too. Visually the film is crazy, I love the film grain used and the over-the-top violence in the form of blood and dismemberment is awesome, cheesy, ridiculous and hilarious. Also the soundtrack by Chingon is pretty cool, epic and the main Machete theme song is awesome as hell!

In conclusion Machete is one of those ridiculous films that comes about and its either something you love or hate. For me this film is ridiculous, violent and random as well, but at the end of the day its fun and that’s all that matters to me. The film is fair from perfect and has a few flaws, but it’s definitely a film that I’d recommend for a film night of fun with friends and possibly some alcohol haha.

7.5/10 (An unapologetically fun-as-hell kind of film)

So what did you think of Machete? Did you like it or hate it? Whatever your thoughts are drop them in the comments below and be show to come back for my review for Machete Kills! 😀